DA Refuge Practitioner Leicestershire & Loughborough

DA Refuge Practitioner
Loughborough (Leicestershire - covering Loughborough)
Part-time - 18.5 hours per week
Shift Pattern: Monday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Friday
Permanent
Salary: £12,602 per annum
About the Role
We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Domestic Abuse (DA) Refuge Practitioner to join a specialist women's refuge service supporting BAME women and their children .
This is a rewarding frontline role where you will provide safe accommodation, emotional support, and advocacy to individuals experiencing domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based violence, and other forms of harm.
You will play a vital role in helping women rebuild their safety, independence, and wellbeing , while working within a supportive, culturally responsive team environment.
What You'll Be Doing
Refuge Support & Casework

• Manage referrals, admissions, and risk/needs assessments
• Provide 1:1 emotional and practical support, including safety planning
• Support women to access housing, benefits, legal advice, health, and education services
• Advocate for residents and attend key appointments (e.g. court, housing, GP)

Culturally Sensitive Support

• Deliver culturally appropriate support to BAME women
• Understand and respond to issues such as patriarchy, racism, and community pressures
• Provide interpretation/translation where needed
• Support complex cases including immigration and NRPF

Support Planning

• Develop and review personalised support plans
• Monitor progress and outcomes
• Support move-on and resettlement into independent living

Refuge Operations

• Help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming refuge environment
• Facilitate house meetings, activities, and community engagement
• Support day-to-day running of the refuge

Safeguarding & Partnership Working

• Safeguard children and vulnerable adults
• Work with agencies such as Social Care, MARAC, Police, and Early Help
• Identify risks and take appropriate action

On-Call & Emergency Support

• Participate in out-of-hours rota (including evenings/nights)
• Respond to emergencies and new referrals when required

Administration

• Maintain accurate case notes, risk assessments, and records
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and confidentiality standards

What We're Looking For
Essential

• Experience supporting BAME women affected by domestic abuse / HBV / forced marriage
• Minimum 2-3 years' experience in a support, safeguarding, or social care setting
• Ability to speak at least one BAME language (e.g. Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Somali, etc.)
• Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage complex cases and work under pressure
• Good IT and organisational skills
• Flexible approach (including on-call work)
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice
• Empathy, resilience, and a non-judgemental approach
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain)

Desirable

• First Aid qualification
• Experience in the voluntary sector
• Knowledge of BAME cultural needs in domestic abuse contexts
• Experience supporting complex needs (mental health, substance misuse, NRPF)
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference in the lives of women and children
• Be part of a supportive, values-driven team
• Work in a role that is meaningful, impactful, and rewarding
• Opportunities for training and professional development

Apply Now
If you are passionate about supporting survivors and creating safe spaces for women and children, we would love to hear from you.